The Hoddle of Coffee: Tottenham Hotspur news and links for Monday, February 23
Well yesterday’s matched sucked.
There were so many comments in the hoddle that I don’t feel it’s worth adding my quiet voice to such a booming chorus.
We shouldn’t let that drown out the reception Dele got during halftime, though.
I’m not sure if any of us watching the game were able to watch his halftime address or presentation (they certainly didn’t show it on Telemundo), so we have to rely on social media and some Tottenham journos to do the check for us. Here’s Alasdair Gold:
“I hope you’ve missed me as much as I’ve missed you.”
I have, Dele, I have.
And here’s Matt Law, who believes that Dele’s speech showed he hasn’t quite given up yet on his professional football career:
Dele is 29 years old now? Can you believe that.
It’s been a long time Dele’s made a professional appearance. Como gave him a chance early last year on an 18-month contract, where he made just one appearance before he was released in September. There are no indications he’s anywhere near joining another club, but I hope he finds a new home soon where he can jump-start his career.
His appearance on Sunday makes two recent iconic players making half-time appearances at Tottenham Hotspur home matches lately, with the other being Jan Vertonghen. It’s a shame they had to be such ugly affairs.
And the the timing couldn’t be any worse. While I love these players so much, it makes it hurt even more knowing that era is gone while Spurs remain dangerously close to relegation.
Fitzie’s track of the day: Peggy’s Blue Skylight, by Charles Mingus
And now for your links:
BBC: “’They were attacking from every angle in the end’ – why Spurs couldn’t keep Arsenal out”
The Independent: “Arsenal’s derby dominance jolts their title bid to life – and makes Tottenham’s relegation danger feel very real”
The Athletic ($$): “Tottenham 1 Arsenal 4 – Gyokeres and Eze spare Rice’s blushes to get title charge back on track”
Alasdair Gold: “Every word Igor Tudor said on what he told Tottenham stars after Arsenal defeat with two set to return”
Matt Law: “Tottenham’s plight is the result of years of transfer mismanagement”
The Standard: “Igor Tudor fires Tottenham players warning amid Arsenal verdict after north London derby defeat”
ESPN: “Arteta says ‘ashamed’ Arsenal showed grit in Tottenham win”
Loftus-Cheek carried off after collision
England midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek was carried off on a stretcher with a head injury during AC Milan's 1-0 defeat by Parma.
He collided with Parma goalkeeper Edoardo Corvi when challenging for a cross early in the Serie A game at the San Siro on Sunday.
Loftus-Cheek's head and neck were put in a brace before he was taken off.
Sky Italia reported that he broke his jaw and several teeth.
A significant injury could affect Loftus-Cheek's chances of making England's squad for the World Cup, which starts in June.
He made his first England appearance in seven years when he came on as a substitute against Wales in October, having been recalled by manager Thomas Tuchel.
Milan are second in the table, 10 points behind rivals Inter Milan, who beat Lecce 2-0 on Saturday to claim their seventh successive league win.
Mariano Troilo scored the winner for Parma in the 80th minute to leave them 12th in the table.
Rory McIlroy rues weekend of missed chances as Los Angeles crown just eludes him
Jacob Bridgeman clung on to secure his first PGA Tour title.